Making waves

We have been pressing the government for a UK Marine Act for more than five years. We even prepared a draft marine bill in 2005, demonstrating how a proper planning system could benefit our seas and give much needed protection for marine wildlife.

But does the new marine bill white paper do all that we hoped? Up to now there has never been a comprehensive planning system in the seas around the UK. Each activity, such as aggregate extraction or port development, has been handled separately, leading to cumulative impacts threatening the natural ecosystem, as well as conflicts and difficulties for users of the marine environment.

The new bill commits the government to designate a network of nationally important marine conservation zones. We say it is essential that this network contains a full range of habitats and species, as well as protection of rare and threatened species.

And there's still an "elephant in the room". For anything more than six nautical miles from the coast, the government must seek the agreement of other EU member states before introducing protective measures for areas of national importance that are fished by people from other European countries.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says this might mean designating a further 100 sites. WWF feels that prediction should be treated with caution, as it is not clear where these sites could be until more data is brought together.

The level of activities in marine conservation zones will vary according to the objectives for each site, ranging from "multiuse sites" to "highly protected marine reserves" that should be kept in pristine condition to protect sensitive, rare or threatened species. The government must invest in new surveys and gather data beyond 12 nautical miles.

This marine bill is needed to ensure that the UK meets its international commitments for marine nature conservation and fulfils renewables obligations by ensuring wind farms, tidal and wave energy have a place in the marine environment through an efficient planning system. But if the government is serious, it must commit to having this draft white paper prepared as a full marine bill for the Queen's speech in November. There can be no delay.

· Robert Napier is chief executive of WWF UK

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